Elastic and Dust-Clinging Fan Blade Cover and Scent Pocket

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an elastic, removable dust cover and air freshener for securement over a ceiling fan blade. The cover is formed of a stretchable, dust-clinging material that is adapted to conform over any sized fan blade and provide secure, snug fitment thereover. The covers comprise an elongated, tubular element having an open end and a closed end, and elastic sidewalls forming an open interior section. The open end of the cover includes an elastic band to secure itself to the cross section of the blade base or along its length. The portion of the cover sidewall includes a vented pocket adapted to secure an air freshener pouch, such that the flow over the blade allows the freshener material to disseminate into the room for improved aroma. Use of the cover prevents dust from accumulating on the blade, while its outer appearance can be tailored to an individual&#39;s decor.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/488,897 filed on Mar. 3, 2011, entitled “Scent-A-Blade.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to ceiling fan blades. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a covering for ceiling fan blades that is adapted to conform to any sized fan blade without exterior securing elements, provide a unitary structure that is adapted to easily secure and contain dust and dirt particles, while also providing a pocket for holding an air freshener pocket against the blade as it is in motion.

A ceiling fan is an air flow device mounted to the ceiling of a room for the purpose of circulating air. Ceiling fans generally have a plurality of blades attached to a rotating central hub, which houses the fan's electric motor and control circuitry. The blades are angled in order to push or pull air depending on the direction of their rotation. Ceiling fan device are popular due to their ability to keep an environment cool without expensive or complicated air conditioning equipment, reducing complexity and further lowering energy costs. Ceiling fans also circulate in fresh air into a room and provide a means to quietly circulate air for convection cooling. Devices of these type generally save a measureable percentage on energy costs in a residential setting as compared to the use of air conditioning systems, and even more so in larger, commercialized settings.

One problem associated with ceiling fans over traditional air conditioning systems is their inability to filter the air as it circulates. This results in the blades stirring up dust, dirt, and other types of airborne debris. This can lead to the spread of allergies, illnesses, and other unpleasant health conditions. The blades themselves tend to accumulate large quantities of dust and debris over time if left ill-maintained, which can be unsightly and a public health concern. Cleaning ceiling fan blades in order to avoid these problems can be a time consuming, arduous task, requiring an individual to use step ladders and other equipment to access and clean the blades. In addition, the cleaning process itself can disturb the dust and dirt that has settled on the blades, thereby causing it to become airborne once again and leading to more allergenic and health risks.

Description of the Prior Art

To prevent the problems associated with typical fan blade cleaning operations, individuals have been known to utilize fan blade covers that are removable and machine washable. There are a variety of fan blade covers known in the art; however, these are not adapted to trapping dust and dirt that settles thereon, and further these devices are not adapted to providing a dirt-clinging fan blade cover of unitary construction that can conform to any sized fan blade. Most of the covers in the prior art relate to those which have varying securement means or external elements to attach themselves to differing sized blades. A solution is therefore required that allows for the easy application and removal of such a cover that utilizes an elastic, dirt-clinging structure, wherein the cover's inherent stretchable construction allows it to conform to any sized blade without additional elements that can become loose and eventually compromise the securement of the cover. Securing elements further can rattle over time as they become loose. As the fan rotates, these elements may tap, rattle or further snag on parts of the fan, which is a nuisance and a hazard to the fan itself.

Another known problem associated with ceiling fans is that when circulating air within a room, the fan may also circulate unpleasant odors that are present, thereby increasing the offending scent. Individuals attempt to prevent such problem by using an air freshener to deodorize a room, however many air fresheners do not distribute the scent throughout a room. The present invention discloses a removable cover for a ceiling fan blade having an upper portion adapted to secure an air freshener element. Ceiling fan blades are efficient means of circulating air. The combination of an air freshener with the blades allows pleasant scents to be dispersed throughout a room to improve air quality and mask any unpleasant odors.

Fan blade covers are well known in the air and have been disclosed having several structures and constructions. These include those which are adapted to conform to varying sized blades using a particular securing elements or means. Still others include the incorporation of an air freshener pouch or volume of scented oil for fragrance purposes. While providing novel features and having familiar design elements, these devices fail to disclose a unitary structure that is capable of conforming to a number of fan blade sizes and shapes without external attachment means. The present invention provides a tubular, elastic structure that conforms over a majority of a fan blade body and length, wherein its open termination is securely conformed to the fan blade base or along its length utilizing a line of elastic fabric. The cover body structure is one of elastic material, such as elastane (Spandex), natural latex or microfiber stretchable material. Microfiber is particularly preferred because of its thin, split-corrugated fibers that are inherently capable of trapping dirt and debris. Devices in the art fail to contemplate this construction, and therefore lack the ease with which to apply, remove and clean the covers between uses.

One such device in the prior art includes U.S. patent application No. 2008/0003104 to Betlach, which discloses a ceiling fan blade-mounted air freshener including a wedge-shaped housing with a clip attached to the housing for removably mounting the air freshener to a ceiling fan blade. Air enters an air intake aperture provided in a low forward wall of the housing and passes through a porous fragrance emitting unit and exits through vent apertures provided in the top of the housing. The housing is mounted on a fan blade such that the low forward wall faces the leading edge of the fan blade.

Similar to the Betlach disclosure is U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,765 to Baxter, which discloses an air freshener support apparatus having a recess defined by a tray, two sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom with overlapping flanges, and an upstanding end wall slideably received on a blade of a ceiling fan with a foam pad impregnated with a scent material received in the recess. Two hook-like arms extend outwardly from the tray for slidingly holding the air freshener apparatus on an upper surface of the fan blade. Further still, U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,078 to Colon discloses an apparatus and method for providing a scent to a compartment comprising a reusable holder having a connecting means and a scented card insertable into the holder. The connecting means can be a clip which is connectable to a louver of an air duct outlet register of a forced air system or to a fan guard of a utility fan.

While these devices provide a means to attach an air freshener to a ceiling fan utilizing a securing structure, they do not provide a dust cover over the length of the fan blade for trapping dirt that settles on the fan blades. The forgoing relate purely to providing an air freshening means, which slideably or otherwise engages the length of the fan blades and provides a housing for a form of air freshener material. The present invention provides combination fan blade cover and air fresher, comprising a pocket along its sidewall that is adapted to secure an air freshener pouch along the upper surface of a fan blade and allow a desired scent to be distributed through the room. The pocket of the present invention is preferably vented to facilitate the flow of scent through and from the freshener pouch.

Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,005 to McCready discloses a fan blade cover for a ceiling fan that includes a casing having an outer edge defining a main body. The cover further includes hook and loop fasteners which are attached to the casing in a manner so as to selectively fix the fan blade cover to the fan blade. The McCready device provides a structure that must utilize external securement to provide coverage for the fan blade, and further does not completely cover the blade's outer surface. Its structure is not of unitary construction such that it can inherently conform to differing sized fan blades. Further, the McCready device lacks the ability to support an air freshening means.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,006 to DeeMo, which discloses a removable, washable decorative cover for each ceiling fan blade. The cover includes a main sleeve of uninterrupted tubular shape, each end of which is open, and formed of highly elastic and expandable decorative fabric, preferably Spandex. The cover may also include an end sleeve over the distal end of the fan blade, one end of which is open, the other end of which is closed. The end sleeve conformingly fits over the distal end of the fan blade in a spaced, abutting or overlapping orientation on the distal portion of the fan blade with respect to one open end of the main sleeve. While such a design provides a cover for fan blades, the DeeMo device is not of singular construction such that the distal end of the blade and its length is covered using a single device. Further, no means of supporting an air freshening means is disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,686 to Keyes is another such device that discloses fan blade covers that are provided in numerous colors and decorative patterns allowing the selection of covers which match a room decor. The covers also comprise a balancing arrangement for the fan which includes a pocket positioned on the upper surface of the cover and a dispensing arrangement for dispensing and distributing deodorant throughout a room which includes a vented pocket for receiving a deodorant canister while the vented pocket and canister includes a visual deodorant depletion indicator. The Keyes device affixes over the base end of each blade utilizing a tabs, which prevent the cover from sliding from the blade as it spins and generates radial acceleration. The present invention provides a form-fitting design that utilizing elastic material in its body section and an elastic closure at its open end. This end is adapted to securely grip the base or length of the blade which installed, eliminating the need for further securement means such as tabs.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,900 to McAuley discloses a fan blade cover slip that is removably secured to each blade of a ceiling fan with fabric extending over the lower face of each blade to substantially cover the lower face of each blade. A strip of absorptive material is attached between the longitudinal flaps, and fragrance oil is applied to the strip to circulate fragrance or air freshener throughout a room upon activation of the fan. This device is effective at removing odors from the air and protecting the ceiling fan from dust and dirt; however it is not adapted to trapping dust and dirt that settles on the ceiling fan blades. Further, the construction and means for securing the McAuley device to the blade differs from the present invention, wherein the present invention provides a tubular structure of unitary construction that conforms to differing blade dimensions.

The present invention utilizes a design that both freshens air within a room and traps dust and dirt that settles on the fan blades. This prevents dirt that settles on the fan blade from being distributed back into the air when the covers are removed, and provides an efficient means of deodorizing the air in a room. The design of the cover is one of a tubular construction having inherent elasticity and dirt-clinging material, while a pocket for securing a scented pouch is further provided. No external means of attachment or straps are necessary for securement to a fan blade. The present disclosure, therefore, is submitted as being substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing fan blade covering devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of fan blade covers now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new fan blade cover wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when preventing dust and dirt from settling on a fan blade and freshening air within a room.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved ceiling fan blade covering that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ceiling fan blade covering combines dirt-clinging material and air freshening means for trapping dirt and deodorizing a given room.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a ceiling fan covering of unitary construction, having an elastic material so as to conform to and secure against any typical fan blade shape or size.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ceiling fan blade covering that is easily deployed and removable from a fan blade, whereafter is either disposable or machine washable.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ceiling fan blade covering that is of stretchable microfiber material, which traps airborne dirt, pollen and debris from within a room.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ceiling fan blade covering that includes a vented pocket for holding an air freshener or scent dispersant.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ceiling fan blade covering that can be made in a variety of colors and patterns to match a user's decor.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ceiling fan blade covering that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the present invention in a working state applied to a ceiling fan comprising a plurality of blades.

FIG. 2 show an overhead view of the present invention applied to a ceiling fan blade, and a vented pocket for holding an air freshener or scent dispersant.

FIG. 3 show a perspective view of the present invention, highlighting its structure and form prior to application onto a fan blade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the ceiling fan blade covering. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for providing a unitary structure of elastic construction and dirt-clinging material so as to secure to any sized fan blade and provide cover therefor. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an underside perspective view of the present invention in a working state, applied to a plurality of fan blades 13 that connect to a central hub 12. The present invention is a fan blade cover 11 comprising an elongated and tubular member having a first and second end. The first end is an open section that allows access to the interior of the cover 11, while the second end is closed and is adapted to accept the distal end 16 of a fan blade thereagainst. The first end is slid along the length of the fan blade 13 length until the distal end of the blade contacts the cover second end. The cover is stretched to conform to the shape of the blade 13, while its inherent elasticity provides a snug fitment thereto and coverage for all or majority of the blade length. The first end of the cover further provides an imbedded elastic band that is stretched to conform to the volume of the blade cross section at its base 17, whereafter the band provides a snug grasp of the blade. This band, combined with the elastic material of the cover, prevents the cover from sliding or coming off of the end of the blade while the fan is in operation.

The material of the cover is preferably an elastic microfiber material, such that the cross section of the cover can expand and conform to the blade geometry, while its material is inherently adapted to capture dust, dirt and debris from the air. Any material with these qualities is contemplated; however microfiber has been shown to provide the best combination of elasticity and dirt-clinging. Microfiber is positively charged through a chemical process that manufacturers use to split its fibers, which are much thinner than natural cotton and are provided in a corrugated shape. The charge of the material and its structure allows it to attract and securely hold large quantities of dust and dirt over time and without easily letting it become airborne thereafter. The sleeve, therefore, can be easily deployed over varying shaped blades, and after a given time removed without the risk of spreading the collected dust into the air once again. The microfiber material is rugged and can be machine washed if desirable, or alternatively a thinner, disposable alternative is contemplated which can be discarded after use along with the trapped dust and dirt. The sleeve material may be provided in a variety of color, pattern, or design to allow an individual to match the cover to the surrounding decor.

Along the length of the cover is a pocket 14 adapted to be positioned along the upper surface of the fan blade 13. The pocket 14 provides a means to secure an air freshener or scent dispersant as the fan blade rotates and air flows thereover. The air flow facilitates the spread of the air freshener scent throughout a given space, improving indoor air quality and masking any inherent odors. Any air freshener pouch or solid scent dispersant can be slid into the pouch, which is sealable, preventing the air freshener from being liberated from the cover as it spins and its momentum tries to force it radially away from the fan hub 12.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an overhead view of a fan blade cover of the present invention in a working position. The cover 11 is an elastic material such that its cross section is expanded over that of the fan blade 13, creating a snug fit that does not interfere with the flow generating capabilities of the fan while in operation. The first end 20 of the cover 11 is slid along the blade length 15 until the distal end 16 of the blade is forced against the cover second end. Elastic material is sewn or otherwise incorporated into the first end 20 to ensure a snug closure thereof over the blade, and further prevents the cover 11 from sliding or creeping along the end of the blade while the fan is in operation. Along the length of the cover 11 and towards its closed end is the fragrance pocket 14, positioned with sufficient offset from the center of the fan hub to increase its inertia and facilitate improved dispersement of the scent therefrom.

The pocket 14 preferably employs a closable flap of material with three closed sides and an open end 19 to allow a fragrance pouch to be slid therein and sealed closed. The open end 19 provides a closure means, such as a strip of hook and loop fasteners, and is provided along the interior edge of the pocket to prevent the fragrance pouch from being liberated from the distal end of the blade as the fan blade spins. In this way, the pouch can bear against the interior of the pocket 14 during fan operation, and the opening thereof can be closed and opened as necessary to replace the fragrance pouch. It is contemplated that a pocket 14 not be included, or only be included on a single sleeve 11 amongst the plurality on the blade assembly. However, for balancing of the fan during operation, it may be necessary to have all blade covers employ a fragrance pouch, depending on the application and sensitivity of the fan to minor imbalances. The outer surface of the pocket may further be perforated, slatted or provide similar openings 19 to facilitate air flow through the pocket and over the air freshener pouch. This improves the dispersement of the fragrance as air flows over the blade, through the pocket and into the pouch to spread the aroma.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of the fan blade cover of the present invention prior to be deployed onto a fan blade. The material of the cover 11 is visualized, which is preferably a microfiber or similar elastic and dirt-clinging material type. The first end 20 of the cover provides a secure opening to slide the end of a fan blade therein, expanding the cross section of the entire cover assembly to conform to the shape, design and dimensions thereof. The elastic band within the first cover is a sewn elastic rubber band, runner or similar elastic material placed along the first end edge to clamp the end against the base of the fan blade once installed. The overall assembly is adapted to be deformable and elastic such that a plurality of covers may be sold or shipped in a smaller container, facilitating sale and shipment of the device. Its construction is preferably of unitary construction, wherein an area of fabric is folded onto itself, sewn along the joined longitudinal edges and further sewn along the distal edge up to the fold line. The opposing distal edge 20 is left open and further placed in connection with a sewn-in length of elastic band material. The pocket can then be sewn into the length of the assembled sleeve.

Overall, the present invention advances the art of fan blade covers by providing one of elastic and dust-clinging material and of unique construction. The present invention provides a form-fitting cover that both removes airborne dirt and dust, and further provides an air freshening means imbedded thereon to improve air quality and indoor fragrance. The cover is universal to fit a variety of commonly sized and shaped fan blades, and provides minimal to no interference with normal operation of the fan blade when deployed. The covers are easily applied and removed, and then either washed and reapplied or further discarded in favor of a replacement. A disposable embodiment is contemplated, and would employ a less rugged thickness and construction of material in its structure, facilitating ease of discarding, recycling and environmental impact. The covers are easily removed without redistributing the collected dirt and dust into the air, while the fragrance pouch or air freshening means can be easily replaced by accessing the attached pocket.

In light of the present disclosure and the provided prior art devices, it is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1) A cover for a ceiling fan blade, comprising: an elongated, tubular structure having an interior volume, length, and a first and second end; said first end being open to allow insertion of a fan into said interior volume, second end being closed and adapted to secure against the blade distal end once inserted into said interior volume; said tubular structure comprising a flexible, dust-clinging material so as to conform to a fan blade dimensions and collect airborne particles; said first end further comprising an elastic band to conform said first end against said fan blade; an air freshener pocket positioned along said tubular structure length, said pocket adapted to secure an air freshening means. 2) The device of claim 1, wherein said elastic, dust-clinging material is microfiber. 3) The device of claim 1, wherein said air freshener pocket further comprises: a pocket having three closed edges and an open interiorly positioned edge; said open edge providing access to said pocket interior and having a closure means to secure said open edge closed. 4) The device of claim 4, wherein said pocket further comprises an outer surface having apertures adapted to allow air flow therethrough. 5) The device of claim 1, wherein said tubular structure exterior surface may be adorned in specific colors, pattern or design. 6) The device of claim 1, wherein said cover is disposable after removal from said fan blade. 7) The device of claim 1, wherein said cover is machine washable after removal from said fan blade. 